Guest Reviews
Simply the Best
Review Submitted: October 28, 2011 Date of Stay: September 2011 – UK
This is the best holiday rental we’ve ever had. The cottage is beautifully appointed with a large terrace which faces the very attractive garden and pool area and also has views across the Alentejo plains. Everything is well maintained and very clean. The location, just outside of an unspoilt Portuguese town, with an easy walk to restaurants and shops is ideal. Michaela and Nigel are excellent hosts, helpful but discreet. We found the farm animals endlessly entertaining. Definitely a place to recommend to friends.
Highly Recommended – A Taste of the Real Portugal
Review Submitted: September 24, 2011 Date of Stay: September 2011 – UK
This year we felt we wanted to explore the Alenteje in Portugal (or at least part of it) We stayed at Monte da Quinta – as our base for a week. This accommodation is lovely and unique it is a holiday destination within its self. The cottages are well maintained, have many little extra finishing touches and luxuries. Michaela thinks of everything – a lovely welcome back, fresh eggs from the hens. What a delight this little Quinta with the animals must be for children. Good old fashioned fun/experience etc. We really enjoyed our stay – and would highly recommend this accommodation.
Relaxing
Review Submitted: September 11, 2011 Date of Stay: July 2011 – Belgium
This was our second visit to the property and we were not disappointed. The same wonderful heaven of peace and tranquility. Michaela & Nigel work hard to create a friendly and relaxed ambience. The setting is rural and peaceful but restaurants and supermarkets are close.Castro Verde center is at walking distance from Monte da Quinta.The are just over an hour drive.
Casa Oliviera is very spacious,well equipped and beautifully decorated.The swimming pool is lovely and very clean.
We particularly loved to sit on the large covered terrace enjoying the beautiful views
Magical Moments at Monte da Quinta
Review Submitted: August 25, 2011 Date of Stay: August 2011 – UK
Monte da Quinta was the perfect holiday accomodation, blissfuly calm, tasteful and very unique. The villas were clean, tidy, well furnished and comfortable, also the private terraces and pool were faultless and perfect for all swimming abilities with a deep and shallow pool. It offers exactly what the website emplies and more. Nigel and Michela were the perfect hosts unobtrusive but
pro-active and charming. All the places they recommended were wonderful and there was something for everyone. Yet it was equally enjoyable to stay by the pool under the pepper tree and enjoy the views and lucious Aljento sunshine. All in all it offers a holiday to remember and a place to return to!
We Have Made Friends In A Truly Special Location
Review Submitted: August 25, 2011 Date of Stay: August 2011 - UK
Our return visit – the only time we have ever chosen to holiday in the same place twice. Now I cant imagine choosing another holiday destination. It will be impossible for anywhere to live up to Monte da Quinta and this part of Portugal. Simply the best place we have ever stayed! From the villa, the pool, the brilliant views, figs, west coast beaches, fantastic local food, owls, praying mantis(!) starring night sky, ponies and the best hosts you could ever hope to find – Muito Obrigado!!! Eleanor Age 13: Monte da Quinta was as magical as ever and yet again a blissful holiday. Nigel and Michaela and Bradley were the perfect hosts; unobtrusive yet thoughtful and friendly. The villas, pool, farm and grounds were immaculate and tasteful, obviously a lot of effort goes into maintaining them. Castro Verde was also a treat, rustic and steeped in history, yet well equipped with everything you need. We were lucky enough to be able to visit the market and investigate what they had to offer. Whilst there we bumped into Nigel and ever considerate he ensured that our lack of Portuguese language did not prevent us from enjoying Lunch! All of this plus luscious weather and delicious local food. Lorna Age 10: Thank you for letting me feed the animals and lead the ponies. Also thank you for letting me ride in the cart I will never forget it.
Our 3rd visit – and still as great as ever…to Monte da Quinta
Review Submitted: August 28, 2011 Date of Stay: Mayt 2011 – UK
Another fantastic family stay in Monte De Quinta, such a peaceful location, with beautiful views of the rolling hills of Alentejo. When not spending time having fun in the pool, we took the 5 minute walk in to town, stopping off for a coffee and treats in the local bars and restaurants, and evening walks around town enjoying the sunset. Our sons loved helping feed the animals each morning and evening (the goats were a favourite), and always made sure to bring back some fresh eggs, safely plucked from the hen house. Picking fresh oranges and making your own juice is a must. For the grown ups there is a wide range of things to do, I loved the quad biking – hours through the countryside, and my wife enjoyed a relaxing massage. Recommended day trips out -
South Coast beaches – pain free 1 hour drive – Gale our all time favourite. West Coast beaches – just over an hour away, lovely beaches away from the south coast crowds. Mertola is a well worth a visit – if not for the castle then just for the terrace restaurant over looking the Guidana River. A bit further is a great fresh water lake with a beach and cafe. Evora is a beautiful old Portuguese
walled city filled with history, and lots of great eateries. Not far from Evora are some megalithic stone circles – worth a stop off on the way from Evora.
A Real Taste of Portugal
Review Submitted: August 27, 2011 Date of Stay: August 2011 – UK
Monte da Quinta – well what can we say, perfect. Greatly appreciated the welcome hamper, stunning views across the plains from the terrace, lovely hot evenings with a glass of wine or two, fresh fish cooked on the BBQ. What else could anyone ask for PEACEFUL & RELAXING. Dominic really enjoyed feeding the pigs, goats, chickens and being followed by the curious turkey and frog watching. A real taste of Portugal – At the windmill in Castro Verde the flour mill man who showed us how to make flour and setting the sails. Thanks for the use of the mountain bikes. Obrigado
By Far The Best
Review Submitted: August 13, 2011 date of Stay August 2011 – UK
We have stayed in lots of villas over the years but Monte da Quinta is by far the best. Beautifully furnished, well equipped and authentically decorated. the Hosts are also fabulous – attentive but also discreet. We had a lovely time visiting the beaches, castles, cathedral and sitting in the cafes and watching the world go by.
Does Exactly What It Says On The Tin
Review Submitted: July 12 2011 Date of Stay July 2011 – UK
A most relaxing and enjoyable holiday in a region of many interests; coasts, mountains, plains, the real Portugal! “It does exactly what is says on the tin”. Wonderful villa and location and the hosts could not be more helpful and attentive. Love the livestock and fresh eggs!
Stunningly Beautiful
Review Submitted July 29 2011 Date of Stay July 2011 – Netherlands
We had a wonderful week at stunningly beautiful Monte da Quinta. The hosts provided us with all we needed, comfortable beds, a great swimming pool, sunshine and shade, tomatoes and eggs – exemplary hospitality. Thank you for making our stay memorable.
Our Return To Monte da Quinta
Review Submitted: July 22, 2011 Date of Stay July 2011 – Belgium
We were looking forward to going back to Monte da Quinta and it was worth the trip. The place is fantastic, the house is high standard and the pool is so pleasant. We had wonderful summer days and we felt at home as usual.
Our Third Visit
Review Submitted: July 22, 2011 Date os Stay July 2011 – Netherlands
As we hoped, this third visit (now in summer) has been definitely the best of all three. Lovely house (lots of space!) Super weather and this time we used the pool a lot. Special thanks for the possibility for Beatrys to have her first ride on a pony. Your kind hospitality as always – eggs, orange juice and delicious tomatoes!!
Lovely Relaxing Break
Review Submitted: July 11, 2011 Date of Stay: July 2011 – Norway
Once again, our holiday in Casa Laranjeira was just perfect. It is so nice to switch off from real life and the hosts Michaela and Nigel could not be more welcoming or helpful. The cottage is very well maintained and very clean. The covered terrace area is a perfect place to relax and escape the sun at midday whilst still being able to look out over the beautiful landscape and pool.
Our 3-year old loved the children’s pool and feeding the animals with scraps every day. There are several different varieties of pig, chickens, geese, ducks, guinea fowl and peacocks. ……Can’t wait to go back
Marvelous Memories
Review Submitted: July 1, 2011 Date of Stay: July 2011 - Québec Canada
What a fantastic holiday we had. Everything was just perfect. We keep marvelous memories, thank you Michaela and Nigel. Fantastic vacation! A peaceful area and your place is lovely. I would like to come back again…again ….and again, you are very charming hosts.
A Warm Welcome
Review Submitted: July 9, 2011 Date of Stay: July 2011 - Germany
Thank you very much for the warm welcome! you have created a little Oasis of relaxing and enjoying. Thanks for the lovely little gifts (eggs, tomatoes) and wonderful tips too. We hope to come back someday!!!!!! Auf Wiedersehen.
Our 3rd Visit
Review Submitted: July 2011 Date of Stay: June 2011 - UK
Another wonderfully relaxing stay. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the animals and collecting fresh eggs. Fresh orange juice was just delicious from Monte Da Quinta’s grove. Every detail here is carefully thought out, from the minute you arrive you can site back and relax. Evora is definitely worth a visit if you can drag yourself from the pool!!!!. We have recommended to lots of friends and will gladly continue to.
Perfect!
Review Submitted: July 1, 2011 Date of Stay: June 2011 - New Zealand
We have just returned from a perfect 4 days at Monte da Quinta. The house was very clean and comfortable and we were welcomed with a hamper of great local produce including fresh farm eggs. We spent most of our time reading, swimming and sunbathing and the hosts Michaela and Nigel were very helpful in recommending things to do and see including a fantastic seafood restaurant right on the beach (1 hour drive away in Milfontes).
We wanted to get out of London to relax for a few days in the sun and Monte da Quinta was perfect for that! It is a short 10 minute walk into the main village where we ate out 2 nights. The locals were very helpful and it was nice to be somewhere authentic not littered with tourists.
The house is very well equipped and it was great to eat breakfast outside every morning under the shade before heading to the pool area in front of us. Thank you for a wonderful stay, it is incredible value for money and we will certainly be recommending it to others and quite possibly returning ourselves.
An Oasis of calm that we had hoped for
Review Submitted: 23 May 2011 Date of Stay May 2011 – UK
Upon arriving at Monte da Quinta we were warmly welcomed by Michaela and shown to our cottage which was all we had hoped for and more. As we had a 1 year old with us, Michaela had set up all the comforts of home to help us with the baby, high chair, cot, playpen and plenty of toys and books. The cottage was clean and the beds comfy, the pool and surrounding areas beautifully landscaped to aid relaxation which is what the place is all about. The animals were also a highlight, we enjoyed feeding the pigs and chickens every evening before the baby went to bed. Look forward to returning soon.
A fantastic place to relax with superb hospitality - Surrey, UK
Review Submitted: May 23, 2011 Date of Stay: May 2011
6 of us (age 26-34) have just returned from a fantastic, relaxing and enjoyable week at Monte Da Quinta. The location, standard and upkeep of the property is excellent with truly majestic views over the Portuguese countryside.
We enjoyed many of the local attractions including Quad biking, wine tasting and golf in the Algarve which was only a 45 minute drive away and wouldn’t hesitate to recomend them to anyone else visiting.
The weather was also incredibly kind and we got the opportunity to make full use of the swimming pool (very highly rated by all of us) and to enjoy the solar heated showers (fantastic!) The information on the website and the information contained in the properties when you arrive is of a very high standard and certainly allows you to experience many of the local restaurants that you might otherwise miss (the steak house in town is delicious!)
Michaela and Nigel were fantastic hosts- very knowledgable, extremely friendly and always happy to help- thank you both for enhancing the holiday even further. This was out first time in Monte Da Quinta, but I can say on behalf of all of us we certainly hope it won’t be the last. Recommended for: Age 55+, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
Owner’s Response: It was an absolute pleasure to share two of our favourite local restaurants with you. So glad you enjoyed the guided quad biking and lunch at our local vineyard we co-ordinated on your behalf. We are delighted you tried some of our recommended activities and made the most of your stay here at Monte da Quinta. We look forward to welcoming you all back.
Perfect
Review Submitted: May 16, 2011 Date of Stay May 2011 – UK
The cottage was perfect for us – we have 2 young children ( 20 months and 3 months) and the owners went out of their way to make our stay a comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable one. The farm has a variety of animals – pigs, chickens, geese, ponies – and our young son loved feeding and visiting them every day. The cottage itself has fantastic views and the rooms are clean and very comfortable, The pool is wonderful – perfect for our son as it has a seperate shallow area. We were very fortunate to have the place to ourselves which really made for a very special holiday. The location is great too – only a 5 minute walk into a very sleepy but nice town, with coffee shops, restaurants and even a child’s play area. We wanted a peaceful and quiet location and even got to visit one of the local vineyards which was great. Older children would enjoy the pool too and the Algarve is not that far away so if you were in need of anything more ‘ hectic’ than the option is there. Would definitely recommend .
I selected this location because of: Outdoor/Adventure, Great food/Wine
Excellent, excellent, excellent
Review Submitted: October 5, 2010 Date of Stay: July 2010 – Canada
My family stayed here for a week at the end of July. It is an amazing piece of property with a beautiful house and fabulous hosts. The house is very clean and well appointed. The pool is fabulous with beautiful views of rolling hills. The town is a short drive or 5 minute walk and has many restaurants and excellent shopping. The animals on the farm are great as my daughter enjoyed the daily feeding of the pigs. There was never any smells from the farm which is important as the windows are wide open at night to capitalize on the cool breezes that help cool down the house. The owners are the best, they are their to answer any questions you may have but also leave you alone and give you space to enjoy your holiday. All travel and dining recommendations they made were excellent and the house is close to many interesting sites.
I strongly recommend this house, you will not be disappointed and it provides excellent value. It is a very relaxing environment that gives you a true taste of Portugal. Recommended for: Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children
Owner’s Response: Thank you very much for your review it is very important to us as our reputation along with your recommendation is our future. So glad you enjoyed your time here with us at Monte Da Quinta, it was nice to see three generations of family enjoying some relaxed time together. Thank you for promoting the true taste of Portugal from the other side of the Atlantic. Best wishes to you and your family.
Wonderful relaxing holiday
Review Submitted: October 6, 2010 Date of Stay: September 2010 – UK
You always build a picture in your mind of the location of the property. As we arrived at night it was great to wake up and see the wonderful view and not be even slightly disappointed. The property is larger than it looks on the website, I think the lofty ceilings adds to the feel of spaciousness. Couldn’t fault the cleanliness of Casa Oliveira or the quality of the furnishings. We have always used holiday rentals for choosing a holdiay, they are always great but this has to be the best so far. The solar heated shower was voted the best ever. Attention to detail is so apparent, even the white walls that surround the Casa’s are spotless. We had a wonderful, relaxing holiday and we be recommending it to family and friends. Recommended for: Age 55+, Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner’s Response: Thank you. So please that you enjoyed your stay at Monte da Quinta and we hope to welcome you back in the future. Kind regards to you and your family. M
LOVE Monte da Quinta!!
Review Submitted: October 6, 2010 Date of Stay: September 2010 – Austin, Texas
I recently stayed in Casa Oliveira with my husband and two of our good friends. This was our first time to Portugal, and we absolutely loved the country and we loved our time in the Alentejo and at Casa Oliveira. The casa itself is beautifully appointed, and has a gorgeous view of the farm the Casa borders. We were so impressed! The countryside is just beautiful and the farm has a renovated artisan well, which is lovely to enjoy with a glass on Vino Verde in the evening. The landscape is mostly olive and fruit trees, and is replete with friendly animals that are happy to follow you as you tour the grounds 
We so enjoyed the company of Michaela and family, and will never forget their hospitality. We will tell all of our friends! Recommended for: Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner’s Response: We are delighted you enjoyed your first trip to Portugal so much. With so many beautiful places to visit I am glad you had the opportunity to spend some days with us here in the Alentejo. We enjoyed your company over dinner in Entradas and you never know, we may make it to Texas one day. M
Casa Oliveira
Review Submitted: August 24, 2010 Date of Stay: July 2010 – Scotland
Casa Oliveira is a lovely, comfortable,very clean property in a delightful semi-rural location, with great grounds and a lovely open outlook. There is also a super large shared pool that has a shallow section specially suited to smaller children (much needed as the weather can be very hot) and some lovely farm animals that the children really enjoyed feeding. Michaela and Nigel are great hosts and will do anything to help you enjoy your stay and are very good at providing you with local information. Castro Verde itself is a very pleasant town, with good restaurants and cafes, and a good play park all within walking distance from the property. It also has good supermarkets that are open 7 days a week. In the local area there are also plenty of interesting historic old towns and plenty of castles to explore, or the Algarve is only an hours drive away. All in all, you can have a lovely relaxing and peaceful holiday here in great surroundings. Recommended for: Age 55+, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children
Owner’s Response: So pleased you enjoyed your stay with us. I do remember your family enjoyed very much walking and exploring Castro Verde, a little pit stop for refreshments before visiting our new play park. This has proved to be a hit with many of our little guests this year. We would like to thank you for your kind words and for sharing your last evening with us, sitting in the square, sipping chilled cerveja and listening to a little live Jazz. x
A wonderful place!
Review Submitted: August 18, 2010 Date of Stay: July 2010 – UK
Two weeks of utter blissful relaxation in accommodation that stunned us from the start with it’s beauty, space and perfect kind hosts. We arrived weary at 1am and were greeted very warmly and shown to Casa Oliveira. It was so much more than the photos here show, and even in the dark took all of our breaths away. We immediately noticed the high ceilings with natural beams, attention to natural materials in all decoration and a large beautiful kitchen with everything needed and more to make self catering a treat. Our beds were very comfortable and the walk-in shower in the morning was powerful and spacious enough for two adults and an eight year old!
When we opened the beautiful wooden shutters and doors and went outside into the brilliant Portuguese sun and onto the huge terrace the pristine whitewashed walls around the pool and between the two casas and the picture perfect sparkling cleanliness of the gentle salt-water pool water was also breathtaking. (In fact I noticed Nigel white washing the walls each changeover morning to make them as perfect as possible for all guests. That single example of personal attention to detail provided at Monte Da Quinta illustrates the care that has been put into creating such a special place). Then we explored some more and marvelled at the views which changed stunningly each day as the sun started to set in early evening. Thoughtful and diverse planting has created an oasis of green and even includes a hammock under an acacia tree beside the pool. That was my absolute favourite place to relax, read, play with my ipod (Wi-Fi!) and sip cool drinks during our holiday. With a charming farm to explore our eight year old has been asking us every day when we can return to play and feed the animals.
We would certainly recommend this property to all our friends and family and have already done so. The location is great with it’s proximity to an authentic Portuguese town with excellent supermarket for self catering and tapas bar, cafes and restaurants a short stroll away. The Algarve beaches and the West coast beaches are just over an hour away on very good roads. They can be enjoyed easily with free or cheap parking just about everywhere before driving back to a real gem of a town where local families and friends of all ages gather in the evening square to chat, laugh and to enjoy beer or coffee in equal measure. Thank you Michaela and Nigel and Bradley for your kindness and hospitality. We had the best holiday ever!Recommended for: Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities, Romantic Getaway
Owner’s Response: We appreciate how much people look forward to their holidays and we endeavour to ensure it is a memorable and special occasion for all our guests. Thank you for your kind comments.
Perfect place for holidays
Review Submitted: August 27, 2010 Date of Stay: July 2010 – Spiennes, Belgium
The casa Oliveira was very clean, well equipped and comfortable.We really appreciated the covered terrace overlooking the countryside.The property is located in peaceful surroundings with beautiful views.There are restaurants and supermarkets nearby.The pool was fantastic.Beaches are only one hour drive from the property.Michaela & Nigel provide very good service.We’ve really enjoyed our relaxing holidays and looking forward to return as soon as possible.A place highly recommended. Recommended for: Age 55+, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner’s Response: Thank you Patrick for your kind words. We are glad you enjoyed your holiday and hope to see you back soon.
The Perfect Holiday
Review Submitted: August 18, 2010 Date of Stay: August 2010 – UK
Monta de Quinta is a truly great place to holiday. Beautiful property, immaculately maintained, in a lovely region of Portugal & with a fantastic pool. The farm grounds and animals were a real bonus with feeding the pigs & leading the ponies becoming a daily highlight for our 2 daughters. The position outside Castro Verde is perfect for exploring a charming town and also the many delights of the Alentejo region, while also having access to the West coast beaches & the Algarve. We found the owners Michaela & Nigel to be consummate hosts. They are passionate about their property, their web site is informative & accurate and they were only too happy to help us discover many of the less well known attractions Alentejo has to offer. Would recommend Monta de Quinta unreservedly – we had a truley lovely holiday. Recommended for: Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner’s Response: Thank you for your kind comments. We endeavour to ensure we provide the quality of accommodation to match the beauty of the region. We are proud to be licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and hope our guests go home having enjoyed a truly memorable holiday with us in the Alentejo.
Excellent holiday in Casa Laranjeira
Review Submitted: November 1, 2009 Date of Stay: September 2009 – UK
We had a wonderful holiday in Casa Laranjeira, our third time staying in this delightful cottage. The property is spotlessly clean and well maintained as well as very spacious. The huge covered terrace is a perfect place to relax and escape the sun at midday whilst still being able to look out over the beautiful landscape and the pool.
We love staying in this property because it is such a break from the hustle and bustle of 2 full-time careers and you can truly relax and tune out while you are there. It really does feel as if time stands still for a few days at least.
This time we explored the town some more. At first glance it does not appear to offer much but unlike UK shops, they don’t have big shop fronts so you need to go in and have a look. We discovered a fantastic beauty salon where a 1.5 hr pedicure cost just 12.50 Euros and a manicure was only 6.50 Euros for a very professional, high quality result.
We really like the fact you are tucked away from the Algarve but can get there in 50 minutes if you want or it’s about 50-60 minutes away from the Atlantic coast. We highly recommend going to Vila Nova de Milafontes, a beautiful small town by the sea with a fantastic beach and river.
Our 2-year old loved the children’s pool and feeding the animals. There were several different varieties of pig, chickens, geese, ducks, guinea fowl and peacocks.
We recommend trying out the local restaurants which all offer very tasty meals though there is nothing like sitting on your own terrace with a bottle of wine and watching the sun go down too whilst barbecuing! The owners have road-tested restaurants and local attractions and can point to lots of different things to do though.
We will be back, there is something really special about Casa Laranjeira.
Owner’s Response: We are looking forward to welcoming you back for your fourth visit. Best wishes to you both and little Emma.
